Did you know that the average Australian spends more than one-third of their day in front of a screen? Does this sound familiar to you? If you're engrossed in your computer, tablet, and smartphone all day long, chances are you're not spending a lot of time out in the fresh air. As a result, you could be missing out on a lot of the benefits of spending time outside.

If you're engrossed in your computer, tablet, and smartphone all day long, chances are you're not spending a lot of time out in the fresh air. As a result, you could be missing out on a lot of the benefits of being outside.

Not sure what these benefits are? Outlined below are five key reasons why you ought to get some outdoor activity each day.

1. Avoid Indoor Air Pollution

Many people don't realise the risks of indoor air pollution. When you spend 90 per cent of your time indoors (as most Australians do), you run the risk of exposing yourself to things like carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds (or VOCs for short), as well as dirt, dust, and pet dander.

All of this exposure can lead to severe respiratory issues, headaches, fatigue, and other symptoms. Getting outside allows you to take a break from chemical exposure and reset your system.

2. Reduce Stress

reduce stress

We all want to live our best lives and feel better on a day-to-day basis. One of the easiest ways to do this is to go outside.

Studies show time and time again that regular outdoors time helps to lower stress and minimizes feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also reduce your risk of physical health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.

3. Reduce Eye Strain

If you spend a ton of time looking at screens each day, chances are you find your eyes feeling fatigued more often than not. A simple way to solve this problem is to take regular breaks to go outside and relax — without looking at a phone or tablet.

Even stepping outside for just a few minutes will help you reset and rest your eyes, and you'll be less likely to deal with issues like headaches or blurred vision.

4. Correct Vitamin D Deficiency

Over 30 per cent of Australian adults have some level of vitamin D deficiency. The easiest way to get more vitamin D is to spend time in the sun each day.

Spending a mere 15-20 minutes outside can help to raise your vitamin D levels. This, in turn, helps to strengthen your immune system, promote stronger bones, and reduces your risk of depression.

5. Get Better Sleep

If you spend most of your time indoors each day, you might find that your sleep is less-than-ideal. Regular sun exposure during the day helps to improve your circadian rhythms and makes it easier for you to fall asleep (and stay asleep) at night.

Try to get outside first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up to send a strong signal to your body that it's daytime. You'll feel more alert after doing this and will sleep more soundly when nighttime rolls around.

Tips for Getting Outside More Often

work outside

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why being outside is important. Getting outdoors isn't always easy, though, especially if you're a busy person with an office job. Give these tips a try to start spending more time outside each day:

Take Your Work Outside

Try handling some tasks outdoors instead of inside. Have a walking meeting outside with your boss or colleagues, for example, or answer emails while sitting out in the open (this might not be good if you struggle with eye strain, but it's better than nothing).

Go on a Nature Walk

On the weekends or in the afternoons or evenings after work, try going for a nature walk. Spending time out of the city, surrounded by greenery, can help you reap more of the health benefits of outdoors time. It's great to get away from the hustle and bustle, too.

Schedule It

If you have a hard time fitting in outdoors time, schedule it just like any other appointment. Put it on your calendar and honour it.

Plan Outdoor Vacations

Try planning some vacations that focus on outdoors time, too. Take a trip to the beach or head to the mountains for some camping or backpacking.

Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors

Okay, you're convinced that going outside is important, and you've got some great ideas for how you can spend more time in nature.

Before you rush out into the wilderness, make sure you've taken steps to keep yourself safe. You've taught your kids the importance of stranger danger; don't forget to do your part to protect yourself the way you protect them.

Here are some essential tips everyone ought to keep in mind when venturing outdoors:

Wear Sunscreen

Sun exposure is good for raising vitamin D levels. Don't get carried away, though.

Get in the habit of putting on sunscreen when you're going to be spending lots of time outdoors. This will save you from burns and other potential health risks.

Let People Know Where You'll Be

When you're going on a nature walk or hike, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. That way, they'll know to call for help if you've been gone too long.

Plan Your Route

Plan the route for your walk or hike ahead of time and stick to it. Don't venture off the path, especially if you're alone.

Wear a Medical ID Band

If you have a health condition like epilepsy or diabetes, be sure to wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace when you're heading out (and in general). This lets medical personnel know what kinds of medications you might need and will ensure they treat you in the proper way. It can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, too.

Reap the Benefits of Outdoor Activity Today

Now that you know more about what the studies show when it comes to outdoor activity, are you convinced that you need to make being outdoors more of a priority this year?

If so, be sure to keep the tips outlined above in mind. They'll help you maximize the health benefits of going outside and stay safe while doing it.

Speaking of safety, don't forget to use our store locator to find out where you can buy your own MediBand. We offer high-quality, attractive bands for a wide range of medical conditions. Pick yours up today!